Kidney (Renal) Cancer Treatment in Andheri, Mumbai
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, the first thing to know is this: you are not alone, and with the right specialist, kidney cancer is highly treatable — especially when caught early. Dr. Ashish Gupta’s Uro-Oncology department in Andheri, Mumbai offers comprehensive kidney cancer care, from accurate diagnosis to minimally invasive surgery, targeted therapy, and long-term follow-up — all under one roof.
Meet Dr. Ashish Gupta – Expert Urologist in Andheri, Mumbai
Dr. Ashish Gupta
What is Kidney (Renal) Cancer? | Understanding Renal Cell Carcinoma
Kidney cancer — medically known as Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) — is a malignant tumour that originates in the cells of the kidney. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located at the back of the abdomen whose primary job is to filter the blood, remove waste, and produce urine. When cells in the kidney begin to grow abnormally and uncontrollably, kidney cancer develops.
Renal Cell Carcinoma accounts for approximately 90% of all kidney cancers. The remaining 10% includes transitional cell carcinoma (affecting the renal pelvis), Wilms’ tumour (primarily in children), and rare collecting duct tumours. In India, kidney cancer incidence is rising steadily — driven by increased rates of obesity, hypertension, smoking, and improved detection through routine scanning. It affects men nearly twice as often as women, with most cases diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 70.
One of the most important characteristics of kidney cancer is that it frequently causes no symptoms in its early stages. Many cases are discovered incidentally — found on an ultrasound or CT scan performed for an unrelated reason. This is both a challenge and an opportunity: when detected early, kidney cancer is one of the most curable solid organ cancers.
Stages of Kidney Cancer
Stage 1:
The tumor is 7 cm (about 2.75 inches) or smaller and is located entirely within the kidney.
Stage 2:
The tumor is larger than 7 cm but remains confined to the kidney.
Stage 3:
The cancer has spread beyond the kidney to nearby lymph nodes or surrounding blood vessels, regardless of the tumor size.
Stage 4:
The cancer has extended beyond the kidney into nearby tissues or has spread (metastasized) to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, bones, or other lymph nodes.
Types of Kidney Cancer | Renal Cancer Specialist in Andheri
Clear Cell RCC
the most common subtype, making up 70–80% of all RCC cases. Arises from clear-looking cells under the microscope. Responds well to targeted therapy and immunotherapy when metastatic.
Papillary RCC
the second most common subtype (10–15%). Two variants exist: Type 1 (less aggressive) and Type 2 (more aggressive). Generally has a good prognosis when localised.
Collecting Duct Carcinoma
a very rare and aggressive subtype, arising from the collecting ducts of the kidney. Often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Sarcomatoid Differentiation
not a separate subtype but a high-grade feature that can occur in any RCC type, indicating a more aggressive course.
Oncocytoma
Oncocytoma is a benign (not cancer) tumor. About 5 to 10 out of every 100 kidney tumors are oncocytomas.
Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
- Blood in the urine (haematuria) — the most common presenting symptom; urine may appear pink, red, or cola-coloured
- A persistent dull ache or pain on one side of the back or flankA persistent dull ache or pain on one side of the back or flank
- A palpable lump or mass in the abdomen or flank
- Unexplained and significant weight loss
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Intermittent fever without an apparent infection
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control
- Swelling of the legs (due to lymph node involvement)
- Bone pain or persistent cough (if cancer has spread)
- A sudden onset of varicose veins around the testicle, particularly on the left side (varicocele) — a sign of renal vein involvement
Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Cancer
Yes — particularly when detected at Stage I or II, kidney cancer is highly curable with surgery alone, with 5-year survival rates exceeding 85–90%. Even advanced kidney cancer is increasingly manageable with modern targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Yes. The remaining kidney compensates remarkably well. Most people with one kidney live full, normal lives with minimal impact on day-to-day health, provided the remaining kidney is healthy and kidney function is monitored regularly.
Not always. Small kidney masses may be managed with active surveillance or ablation techniques in selected patients. However, surgery is the only curative option for most solid kidney tumours and is the preferred approach whenever feasible.
Traditional chemotherapy is largely ineffective against renal cell carcinoma. Instead, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are used for advanced disease — and both are significantly better tolerated than conventional chemotherapy.
Recurrence rates depend on stage. Stage I has a recurrence rate of less than 10%. Stage III has a higher risk of approximately 30–40%. Regular follow-up with CT scans and blood tests after surgery is essential for early detection of any recurrence, which can often be treated effectively.
Partial nephrectomy removes only the tumour and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue, preserving the rest of the kidney. Radical nephrectomy removes the entire kidney. When oncologically appropriate, partial nephrectomy is preferred as it protects long-term kidney function.
What Our Patients Say About - Renal Cancer Specialist
Our Location - Renal Cancer Specialist in Andheri
Book Consultation
